Programs for Non-Degree-Seeking Students

Certificate programs are available at most online accredited institutions for students interested in gaining knowledge and skills without committing to a college degree program.

Programs for non-degree seeking students are opportunities to train in areas that support personal and professional goals. They can strength resumes and prepare students for a college degree program.

What are Non-Degree Programs?

Non-degree programs or certificate programs are an option that colleges and universities provide for non-degree seeking students to learn valuable skills in specific areas that contribute to their professional success.

There are different certificate programs for non-degree seeking students. Some certificate programs are designed for students who have earned a bachelor's or master's degree.

There are also non-degree programs for students who have not earned a college degree. All non-degree programs train and educate students in a specific area to enhance their professional skills.

Admission Requirements for Non-Degree Seeking Students?

Admission requirements for non-degree seeking students differ depending on the institution and program. Typical requirements for students without any college background include:

• high school diploma or its equivalent
• 2.5 or higher high school GPA

There also may be prerequisite course requirements depending on the program. Other admission requirement examples include an age requirement or SAT or ACT scores.

How Much Does Certificate Programs Cost?

Undergraduate certificate programs cost about $400 to $640 per credit hour. The cost of certificate programs depends on the certificate level, college, and program.

The cost of graduate certificate programs is $650 to $1,200 per credit hour. The University of the People is tuition free with a $200 assessment fee for each certificate course.

Colleges That Offer Certificate Programs

Online accredited institutions offer flexible certificate programs for non-degree seeking students who want to advance their education.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers undergraduate certificate programs for students who have earned a bachelor's degree. The programs require students to complete at least 15 credit hours of required courses.

ASU also partners with State Farm to provide non-degree seeking students with Pathways for the Future programs that allow them to complete college courses for later when they decide to earn a degree.

The Pathways for the Future program also offer certificates for students with no college experience. Examples of certificate programs include:

• informatics
• applied business data analytics
• geographic information science

Bellevue University

Non-degree seeking students can earn certificates of completion or complete a certificate program or continuing education program at Bellevue University.

Certificates of completion allow students to complete courses in a specific area of study that prepares them for an entry level professional role. They also can count toward a bachelor's degree program. Example study areas include:

• business communication
• cost accounting
• leadership essentials

Certificate programs include mental health technician, natural resources management, and graduate certificate in creativity. The continuing education programs are for students interested in professional business and leadership or behavioral health training.

Capella University

Capella University offers certificate programs and individual courses for non-degree seeking students. The certificate programs are available to students with a bachelor's degree.

Non-degree seeking students can also take individual courses in specific areas of study such as business, education, and information technology. Other areas of study for individual courses include:

• counseling, therapy, and psychology
• health administration and public health
• public services

Liberty University

Liberty University offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate certificates for personal or professional enhancement. Students who do not have any college background can apply for an undergraduate certificate.

Graduate certificates require a bachelor's degree at minimum and postgraduate certificates require students to hold at least a master's degree. Most certificate programs are available in an online learning format.

Examples of undergraduate certificate options include autism education, data networking, public administration, and web development.

Maryville University

There are bachelor's and post bachelor's certificate programs at Maryville University. Non-degree seeking students can earn a bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or another area of study. Other areas of study include:

• data science
• software development
• computer science

Students who already have a master's degree in nursing can advance their skills with an online post-master's nursing certificate. Maryville has several options for non-degree seeking students.

University of the People

The University of the People is a tuition-free accredited university that offers certificate programs for students interested in professional development. Certificate programs are available in the following study areas:

• business administration
• computer science
• health science
• English as a second language

Students can complete UOPeople's non-degree programs online in less than one year. The certificate programs provide training in specific fields and professions.

Can You Complete Non-Degree Programs Online?

Online learning options are available at many accredited schools that offer non-degree programs. Online non-degree programs give students that must meet other commitments the flexibility they require to enhance their credentials.

Online non-degree programs are also more affordable than traditional or online degree programs and require a fewer amount of credit hours in coursework.

How To Start a Non-Degree Program

Non-degree seeking students can start the application process for certificate programs on an accredited institution's website. The application process usually requires you to submit educational transcripts and proof of identification.